Multimodal assessment of body structure in young elite handball players using DEXA, 3D body scanning and anthropometry

Csilla Jang-Kapuy; Fanny Zselyke Ratz-Sulyok; Peter Bakonyi; Bettina Beres; Tamas Dobronyi; Gergo Simon; Marton Ferenc Izso; Annamaria Zsakai; Tamas Szabo

doi:10.20330/AnthropKozl.2026.67s.53

Csilla Jang-Kapuy Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary; Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Science, Department of Anthropology, Budapest, Hungary; Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Science, Doctoral School of Biology, Budapest, Hungary
Fanny Zselyke Ratz-Sulyok Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary; Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Science, Department of Anthropology, Budapest, Hungary; Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Science, Doctoral School of Biology, Budapest, Hungary
Peter Bakonyi Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary
Bettina Beres Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary
Tamas Dobronyi Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary
Gergo Simon Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary
Marton Ferenc Izso Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Science, Department of Anthropology, Budapest, Hungary
Annamaria Zsakai Eotvos Lorand University, Department of Biological Anthropology, Budapest, Hungary http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-2056
Tamas Szabo Hungarian Handball Federation, Directorate of Sport Science and Diagnostics, Budapest, Hungary

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20330/AnthropKozl.2026.67s.53

Absztrakt

Background: Accurate body composition assessment is essential in elite sports for athlete monitoring and performance optimization. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is considered a reference method, however, its routine application is limited by cost, time requirements and the need for specialized equipment. Three-dimensional (3D) body scanning has emerged as a rapid, non-invasive and radiation-free alternative but its validity in adolescent elite athletes remains underinvestigated.

Objective: This study aimed to compare body structure parameters measured by DEXA, 3D body scanning and traditional anthropometry in young elite handball players, and to assess the potential of 3D body scanning as a tool for body structure evaluation in elite sports.

Subjects and methods: A total of 144 adolescent elite handball players participated in the study. Body composition was assessed using DEXA and a 3D body scanner using a standardized protocol. DEXA-derived variables included regional total mass and lean soft tissue mass of the upper limbs, lower limbs and trunk. The 3D scanner provided segmental body volumes and circumferential measurements. Dominant and non-dominant limbs were analysed separately. Pearson correlation analyses and linear regression models were used to evaluate relationships between measurements obtained by the methods.

Results: Very strong correlations were found between 3D-derived segmental volumes and DEXA-derived regional total mass values (r = 0.936–0.983). Strong associations were also observed between segmental volumes and lean soft tissue mass (r = 0.836–0.952). Significant correlations were identified between conventional anthropometric circumferences and corresponding 3D-derived measurements (r = 0.855–0.942).

Conclusions: As a rapid, non-invasive, radiation-free method, 3D body scanning may represent a practical tool for routine athlete monitoring and large-scale field assessments in elite youth sports.

Hivatkozások

References: None.